Send Page to a Friend Immigration keys concern for JCRC agenda in 2007 Kristin Erekson The Jewish Advocate January 26, 2007 Leaders' goals include boosting funds for immigration programs and passage of the in-state tuition bill. One top priority for many local Jewish organizations this year is working to ensure equal rights for immigrants in the Bay State. On Jan. 17, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston approved its legislative agenda, setting its sights on increasing funding for several immigration programs and lobbying for the passage of a bill that would extend in-state tuition rates at public colleges to undocumented immigrants, according to Irit Tamir, JCRC's director of government affairs. Statistics from the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Coalition show that there are approximately 900,000 immigrants in the state - including 150,000 undocumented immigrants - making 14 percent of Massachusetts' population foreign-born. "We as Jews … got involved because we've experienced immigration," Tamir said. "In the Torah, there is [a mitzvah] that says, 'Welcome the stranger because you are strangers in the land of Egypt.' Part of our values is to welcome newcomers." The JCRC is pushing to boost finances by $40 million for Adult Basic Education/English for Speakers of Other Languages, a program that serves as a resource for adults, including immigrants and refugees who lack high-school level skills. Furthermore, the JCRC will work to increase funding by $5 million for the Citizenship for New Americans service, which gives money to organizations to assist immigrants in the naturalization process. Tamir said that advocacy for both immigration programs have been placed onto this year's legislative agenda for the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations, the group that oversees communal Jewish life. She also noted that the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis - an organization of rabbinical leaders of various denominations from across the state - has also expressed interest in becoming involved in immigration efforts. "This is really an effort of tikkun olum," said Phil Gordon, vice chair of the JCRC's public policy committee, which recommended these initiatives for the agenda. "It's about working with … our neighbors and all other members of communities of faith to make Boston … a better place to live." In addition to improving services for the state's immigrant population, the JCRC will continue to move forward with supporting its campaign that calls for the divestment from Sudan. It will also work to rally for senior advocacy and to secure a grant for youth violence programs. Yet Tamir said her organization is ready to wipe out the anti-immigration sentiment that has been prevalent throughout Massachusetts over the years. "These immigrants make huge contributions to our society," Tamir added. "It is our goal to help take care of those struggling and to help them make better lives for themselves." Gov. Deval Patrick's press office did not return calls for comment by press time.